Pull: Anatomy of a play

Each week, I’ll breakdown (in a
simplified manner, hopefully) a pivotal play in Florida’s game. I decided
against lots of arrows and pointers so as not to distract from the overall
picture, but if you’d prefer that in the future, let me know.

Today's play is Matt Jones’ 67-yard
scamper early in the second quarter in Florida's 27th consecutive win over Kentucky. The sophomore tailback tallied career-highs
in attempts (28) and yards (176) in the victory, but his long sprint really
kick-started Jones’ red-letter day. Although the Gators force-fed Jones on
their 13-play, 93-yard opening touchdown drive, he wasn’t particularly
effective. Jones had six carries for just 12 yards until his explosive run.
Here’s how it unfolded.

#1

The Gators are in a pistol set, with
Trey Burton (slot) and Solomon Patton lined up to the left. Tight end Clay
Burton (No. 88) is also lined up on the left of the offensive line.

#2

Off the snap, center Jon Harrison (No.
72) pulls to the outside, as does left tackle D.J. Humphries (No. 70). Clay
Burton does an excellent job sealing the edge. Immediately, Kentucky is doomed to surrender a big play. The Wildcats have eight blue shirts in the
picture (sucking inside), and UF’s pulling linemen had a free release and are already chugging
towards the second level. Meanwhile, T. Burton and Patton are in position to
make one-on-one blocks to seal the sideline. Look what happens just a split-second
later…

#3

There are now nine Wildcats in the
picture, but seven are already beaten and are now chasing the play. T. Burton
locks up the UK nickel back, while Harrison has yet to block anyone yet. Humphries is in position to take out two 'Cats with a single pancake.

#4

Now six yards down the field,
Harrison is finally forced to engage a defender and he subsequently (along with
Humphries) manhandles a pair of Wildcats. Patton delivers a strong block too,
giving Jones daylight up the sideline.

#5

See: here…

#6

Jones then displays great vision,
cutback ability and explosiveness to Scooby-Doo the UK safety and charge inside
towards the end zone.

#7

Well, about that. It looked like a
sure touchdown until teammate Quinton Dunbar eventually (accidentally) tackled him. It was a well-intended
hustle play that ultimately mattered naught, as Tyler Murphy tossed a nine-yard
strike to Wildcat killer T. Burton two plays later. The Gators went up 14-7 -- a
lead they never relinquished in route to a 24-7 win.